Preview: Munster vs Ulster

Munster vs Ulster

Ulster travel to Thomond Park on Friday night for an all Irish derby that is sure to be a cracking encounter. Theres no love lost between these two in recent years, and both sides will be keen to put one over their close neighbours.

Munster head into this one off the back of a disappointing defeat last time out away to the Scarlets. Unbeaten up until last week this season, Munster still sit just two points off top spot and can go top if other results go their way this weekend. Munster preparations will have been adversely affected by the shock news that Felix Jones has been forced to retire with injury, and they will be keen to put in a performance to give him a fitting send off. In team news, Anthony Foley calls upon Francis Saili for the first time this season, as the flying kiwi starts at thirteen. Elsewhere in the backs Simon Zebo returns, and he forms a dangerous looking back three with Andrew Conway and Gerhard Van den Heever. The pack is much changed from last week, as Mark Chisholm and Robin Copeland return at lock and number 8 respectively.

Last weekend Ulster were impressive in their victory over Cardiff at home, and will look to continue that good form against their old foes. Ulster welcome back a number of Irish world cup players to the starting line up, with Paddy Jackson in at 10 and Darren Cave back at outside centre. His return sees Peter Nelson shifted to full back, forcing Louis Ludik out of the match day 22. Up front the pack is unchanged.

Recent history between these two has been incredibly tight, with two points the biggest margin between them in the last three games. Munster will be fired up at home, and with Ulster playing poorly away from the Kingspan Stadium in recent times, they will expect a win on the night. Whatever the result expect a tough contest.

Last three matches:

9/5/15 Ulster Rugby 23 – 23 Munster Rugby

28/11/14 Munster Rugby 21 – 20 Ulster Rugby

10/5/14Munster Rugby 17 – 19 Ulster Rugby

Prediction: Munster by 5.